The Dizu Plaatjies Ibuyambo Ensemble

This is the group of former Amampondo leader, Dizu Plaatjies. The group perform traditional, neo-traditional and original african songs. Virtually all instruments are hand made of wood, animal skins, seeds, hand beaten metal, etc. The basic ensemble of 5 musicians sing, play and dance. Additional drummers and dancers augment the line-up. The instruments include, marimba, mbira, akadinda, umhube, uhardi, drums and percussion. They have recorded two albums with their new line-up. The first, Ibuyambo, is available in Europe. The second will be released in 2008. The group were chosen to showcase at Womex 2007.